Rapids U-14 Boys win Colorado State Cup

The Colorado Rapids U-14 Boys Academy team defeated Real Colorado National 3-2 to become Colorado State Cup Champions yesterday. The Rapids were down 2-0 in the second half, and came back to tie the game before winning in overtime. The U-13 Boys also made it to the final in their age group, but fell 1-0 to Colorado Rush Nike.

DILLON SERNA IN PORTUGAL WITH U.S. U-18 NATIONAL TEAM: Rapids Academy midfielder Dillon Serna of Brighton is currently in Portugal with the United States U-18 National Team preparing for the Lisbon International Tournament, held from May 23-26. Serna left with the team on May 17 and played a friendly against the Sporting Lisbon youth team on May 19, which they tied 1-1. They next face Poland on Wednesday, and then Slovakia the next day before closing against host Portugal on May 26.

COLORADO RAPIDS ACADEMY BEGINS TRYOUTS NEXT WEEK: Tryouts for the U-11 to U-14 Boys and the U-11 to High School Girls will begin next week from May 29 to 31 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Development Academy and High School Boys teams will host tryouts in late July. Registration is still open for all age groups, and any interested players can find more information or register by clicking here. For more specific information about tryouts and to register, click here.

UNDER-18 ACADEMY SQUAD RECLAIMS SECOND PLACE IN CONFERENCE: The Colorado Rapids Under-18 Academy team reclaimed their spot at second place in the Central Conference this weekend after drawing the first place team, Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Soccer Academy, 0-0 on Friday, and then defeating Minnesota Thunder Academy, the then second place team, 3-0 on Sunday. If the season ended today, the Rapids would qualify for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy 2012 Finals Week, a playoff tournament where only the top two teams from each conference participate, that will be held in Houston, Texas from July 16-23. The team has two games left against St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri on June 2 and against St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro on the 5th. To learn more about Finals Week 2012, click here.

UNDER-16 ACADEMY TEAM UNDEFEATED IN WEEKEND PLAY: The Colorado Rapids Under-16 Academy team went undefeated against the top two teams in their conference this weekend, tying Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Soccer Academy 1-1 and then ousting Minnesota Thunder Academy 4-2. With two games remaining against the same squads as the U-18s, the U-16s are 7-8-4 in the conference and will participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase that will also take place in Houston from July 16-23. The Showcase is an exhibition tournament for teams that did not qualify for Finals Week to gain experience and be seen by college recruiters.